Raiders sign OT Matt McCants from practice squad

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Oakland Raiders have activated offensive tackle Matt McCants off the practice squad and placed offensive tackle Jared Veldheer on the injured reserve list with a designation to return.

The Raiders made the move Saturday to give them a healthy backup tackle for the season opener Sunday in Indianapolis.

Veldheer had surgery for a torn left triceps last month. He will be eligible to start practicing in six weeks and could play as early as Nov. 3 against Philadelphia if he has recovered.

Rookie Menelik Watson was supposed to start in Veldheer's place at left tackle but is out after injuring his knee in practice. Right tackle Khalif Barnes will move to the left side and newly signed Tony Pashos will start at right tackle.